10 Ways To Reduce Single-Use Packaging Waste

We Need to Talk About Waste

Back in May, the City Girl Network launched a new initiative called Trash Talk, sponsored by Clarity Environmental. This platform has been created to encourage sharing and to spark conversations on how we can help save this lovely planet we all call home.

One of the ways you can help is by reducing the amount of single use plastic/packaging we use. It’s a tough job, but every action counts! We wanted to share some ideas to help get you started.

1. REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

It’s a basic suggestion, but a great place to start! By purchasing a reusable water bottle you’ll not only save yourself £ in buying bottles of water but it’s much nicer for the environment. If you’re someone who’s often out and about and finds their water bottle empty, download the “Refill” app and you can find your nearest refill station where you can full up your water bottle for free (even better you can get rewards every time you fill up!)

2. SHAMPOO & SOAP BARS

Rather than purchasing shampoo and body wash which are encased in plastic, opt for a shampoo / soap bar instead. A simple search into Google brings up loads of lovely options for you to try and often works out much cheaper in the long run.

3. SAY NO TO PLASTIC CUTLERY & STRAWS

We’ve all seen “that” photo of the poor turtle with a straw up it’s nose (not nice) by saying no to plastic cutlery and straws you’re helping to reduce the amount that ends up in the sea and at landfill. You can purchase your own metal or bamboo versions instead.

4. BAG FOR LIFE

Another simple one, but it really does make a difference! By keeping a bag for life spare in your handbag or in your car will not only save yourself 5-10p but also means you’re helping to reduce the amount of plastic bags that end up in landfill. If you want to be super creative, enrol in a crochet workshop where you can learn to make your own crochet shopper bag. Bristol ladies check out @Stitching_Me_Softly on Instagram to find out more!

5. KEEP CUPS

Similar to our good friend the reusable water bottles, reusable cups for your coffee and tea are great for those of you who often make a caffeine stop during the day. Lots of coffee shops also give you a discount if you bring your own, so it’s a win win!

Save money and use these cute marble cups from Etsy for your coffee on the go!

6. SAY BYE TO YOUR PLASTIC TOOTHBRUSH

Over 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year (1 billion!) and will never biodegrade. Switching to a bamboo toothbrush means that once you’re ready for a new one, it will only take 6 months to biodegrade back into the soil.

7. RAZORS

How often do you throw away your plastic razor blade and swap it for a new one? By investing a little bit of £ into a metal safety razor, you’ll be helping to reduce the 2 billion plastic razors we discard every year.

City Girl recommends this metal safety razor with a bamboo handle from Amazon that is affordable AND kind to your skin!

8. PLASTIC FREE CHEWING GUM

Yeah so chewing gum is made of plastic ... (I’ll let that sink in for a minute) Fear not gum lovers, there are some plastic free alternatives available for you to try! Fun fact: the gum is totally biodegradable and made from the sap of a tree which is native to central America.

9. HAVE A NICE CUP OF TEA

You wouldn’t think it, but our British staple “the teabag” has a little hidden layer of polypropylene plastic which can eventually end up in the sea. The answer: switch to loose leaf tea, it tastes much nicer!

Rosie Lea Tea on Etsy has a variety of different teas like Choco-Chai or Chilli-Mint tea !

10. GIVE BACK TO MOTHER NATURE

Some sanitary pads contain up to four plastic bags worth of plastic! Crikey! Fortunately some wonderful humans have created some fabulous biodegradable products and menstrual cups for us to use instead. So, although it’s not the best time of the month, at least we know we’re doing our bit for the planet.

This menstrual cup from Etsy also comes with a little pouch to store it when it’s not your time of the month!

Written by Rosie Smith

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which enables us to make a small commission if you decide to buy any of these products. This money helps us to keep the lights on.